Sasso: Culture drives sexual harassment

The increasing number of sexual harassment accusations is shocking and appalling. Holding perpetrators accountable is essential. But what is missing from the conversation is a serious examination of the underlying causes of sexual intimidation and the consequences of intensified vigilance.

On the one hand, heightened awareness is beginning to lead to better, safer work environments. Women are the beneficiaries. On the other hand, according to a study by the Center for Work-Life Policy, men are now more likely to avoid solo interactions with and mentorship of women.

Women are experiencing a double bind. In the past, to progress in a profession, some women had to endure unwanted sexual advances and stay quiet. Now some men have decided to avoid close contact with women. As the majority of senior professionals are male, women are being denied the benefit of mentorship that leads to career advancement.

The issue is power, who has it and who does not. Anna Kirkland, a professor of Women’s Studies at the University of Michigan, stated, “it’s not… that men need to be taught special skills and ways of talking to avoid accusation; it’s that sexual harassment comes from gender inequality and cultures that support sexism.”

Harassment is bound up with economic, business, media and political hierarchies. There is gender disparity in the halls of government. In 2017, 104 women serve in Congress, comprising 19.4% of the 535 members. Women make up less than 25% of state legislators, 18% of mayors and 12% of governors. It matters who gets to make our laws and set policy.

Having more women in political office not only makes government more representative of the population, it also influences priorities. Female legislators are more likely to be actively involved in issues relating to women’s health, reproductive rights, child care and the economy. They deliver about 9% more funding to their districts. They care more about policies that support working mothers, many of whom agree that being a mother makes it harder for career advancement.

There is gender inequity in the workplace. Women earn just 80% of what men receive in comparable jobs with equal experience and education. Women aren’t expected to reach equal pay with men until 2059; the more conservative estimate is 2119! In the S&P 500 companies, women currently hold 5.2% of CEO positions, hold only 21.2% of board seats and occupy 26.5% of senior level positions. It matters who controls the wealth.

In the journalism and the film industries we see a similar disparity. In 2016, women comprised 7% of all directors working on the top 250 domestic films. While women hold more than two-thirds of the journalism or communications degrees, the media industry is only one-third female. Men still receive 62% of bylines and other credits in print and online. It matters whose story is being told, and who gets to tell it.

We should be shedding a brighter light on these issues of power imbalance. The problem is not just about individual men harassing women; it is about an entire culture. It is about how we define what it means to be a man.

Recognition of improper behavior, rules about reporting and holding accountable those who engage in sexual harassment and abuse are extremely important.

However, for real change to occur, we need more women in politics drafting legislation, as CEOs of large companies, on the boards of big corporations and with positions of power in the media. Women’s control of their own bodies, equal pay for equal work and policies that support working mothers are essential. If we want to transform what is happening, then we have to change a culture that privileges one gender over another. You don’t have to be a woman to want this to happen; you just have to be a human being.

Sasso is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and director of the Religion, Spirituality and the Arts Initiative at Butler University.